WorldStage– The United States of America’s Congress, the country’s federal legislative body comprising of her Senate and House of Representatives, has reportedly rejected President Donald Trump’s threat of military invasion in Nigeria over claim of genocide against Christians in the country.
Instead, they promoted a more rational and responsible partnership between the Nigerian and U.S. governments.
Dr Adam Abaji, Clinical Professor, University of Alberta, Canada was quoted as saying that yesterday’s Congressional hearing in Washington, D.C., marked a very important moment in the international conversation about insecurity in Nigeria.
He said for the first time in a long while, “we witnessed a constructive and informed discussion in the U.S. Congress. Members from both major parties spoke passionately about the situation in Nigeria.
“They acknowledged the seriousness of terrorism and the human suffering it has caused in different parts of our country. They also recognised the complexity of the conflict and the potential consequences of any foreign action.
“What stood out to me was the explicit rejection of direct military intervention in Nigeria. Instead, they promoted a more rational and responsible partnership between the Nigerian and U.S. governments.”
Abaji stated that the Congress recommended a joint approach to assess Nigeria’s current capacity to deal with terrorism.
“They encouraged the U.S. to provide intelligence support and work closely with Nigerian security forces in identifying, isolating, arresting, or eliminating the BOKO HARAM terrorists who have caused havoc in different regions of our country, especially in the North East,” he stated.
The expected intelligence support, Abaji further disclosed, will also extend to cover the criminal activities of bandits and terrorists in the Northwest, North Central, Southeast and Southwest regions.
Acknowledging that Nigerians have suffered regardless of religion or tribe, he said every Nigerian deserves safety and dignity.
This new direction, according to him, is a very welcome development. “It is far better than the past reckless and impulsive calls for aggressive military action in Nigeria that would have damaged our sovereignty and put civilian lives at significant risk.
“Today, we saw a wiser approach that respects Nigeria and focuses on what actually works. This is a significant win for diplomacy and for those who believe in innovative collaboration rather than destructive intervention, he enthused.
He urged those at home who celebrated the possibility of a foreign attack on “our own country”to reflect, saying “you may feel angry or frustrated, but it is essential to step back and think carefully.”
Foreign bombing, he warned, will not fix Nigeria but destroy lives and deepen suffering.
“This moment offers a better path. A chance for collaboration and intelligence support to help us bring peace and stability to every corner of our country,” Abaji concluded.
